Stairs can pose an obstacle for anyone who suffers from mobility issues, whether due to age, injury or both. Most people take their mobility for granted, so they have not planned how they will navigate their home when circumstances change. All of a sudden, an entire floor of the house is inaccessible. Unfortunately, age-related disabilities often prevent people from enjoying their home and can even call into question whether a move is necessary. Elevators are far too expensive and require major reconstruction. Stair lifts, on the other hand, are easily installed on existing stairways to provide a solution for those with mobility issues. There are many features available that help people live independently in the comfort of their own home. Stair lifts come in a variety of styles and can help those with conditions ranging from breathing or heart issues up to complete immobility. Keep reading to learn the top questions about stair lifts for seniors and others with mobility issues, so you can decide if a stair lift is the right choice for you.
Handicare is a company that has roots dating back to the late 1800's. They offer a wide variety of lifts and back their products with superb educational services and warranties. Silver Cross gives consumers the ability to compare models. They are unique in that they offer the option to trade-in older models for credit towards an upgrade. They even fully refurbish used units and offer them at discount prices. Ascent Stairlifts is a relatively new player with just under two decades of service. It serves forty states and plans to continue expanding. Customer service is a strength.
Those who are unable to walk or bend their knees may be good candidates. Others who rely on canes or walkers to maintain balance can safely travel between floors with stair lifts. Heart and lung issues can impact one's ability to navigate stairs without consequence, so stair lifts can help prevent possible incidents.
Pressure sensitive controls ensure the lift will only move when the button is pressed, so the operator maintains control. Safety sensors are included on most stair lifts to prevent damage from items left on the stairs. The lift will turn off automatically until the path is cleared. Cables are designed to last. They can hold around 4,000 pounds to prevent breakage.
Yes, stair lifts can be installed using L-shaped rails to accommodate the staircase and allow the lift to travel unhindered. Traditional stairs are fit with straight rails. Even curved or spiral staircases pose no obstacle to stair lifts when curved rails are installed.
Chair seats can be fixed or hinged. Hinges may come in handy for small spaces or for individuals who prefer to stand on a platform to go up and down stairs. Perched seats and platforms are options for people who have difficulty bending their knees or transferring from a seated to standing position.
Yes, hinged seats can be used to transform the chair into a perch seat or a standing platform as needed. Backrests and footrests can be adjusted to fit comfortably. Levers are used on some models to adjust the height of the seat by foot or hand.
Modern versions of stair lifts can be operated by remote control. The user simply pushes a button to engage the lift and bring it up or down as needed. This makes a stair lift more convenient if two or more people need to use it in a home. As a safety precaution, the remote will not override the manual controls.
Quality stair lift companies will ensure their customers are educated on the use of their product before they complete the process. They make sure the installers are trained to work well with people who may not love the idea of needing a stair lift. Once installation is complete, they fully train potential users to safely operate the equipment.